I feel like a terrible mother

[SRmy]

It’s nearly 4am and my almost 18 month old has been up for 3 and a half hours, crying every time he doesn’t get his way- if I put him in his cot he cries, if I don’t pick him out of it he cries, if I don’t hold his hand so he can walk around the house he cries, if I take anything off him he’s playing with (because it’s bloody bed time!!!) he cries.

I’m crying myself because I feel so upset, I can’t keep a cool head like my husband does. I’m just tired and have work in the morning a stressful job.

I feel like I’ve traumatised the baby by one minute trying to soothe him then the next saying, it’s bedtime now go to sleep in a firm voice (didn’t shout). So he cries when I say that.

One minute I think he’s just trying to get his own way and then I’m giving him calpol in case he’s teething and I’m not being sympathetic enough.

I would never take my anger out on him. It was so upsetting though I just had to wake my husband as I’m struggling, baby just toddled over to his daddy all happy and I’m in a state upset and not knowing how to deal with it.

Sorry for the middle of the night rant

We've all had nights like it op. Your not a terrible parent at all. When were tiered we do whatever it takes to get some sleep. Is this a regular thing op or once in a blue moon?

I would just bring him into bed with you:

Thank you for the replies. Thankfully it’s quite rare although he did wake three times last night crying, but went back to sleep quickly. I’m getting more frustrated because putting him down at bedtime has become a night mare. For the last week he hasn’t gone to sleep for me, just wants to be standing up and playing, he’s eventually gone down for my husband after a long time.

I’ve tried putting him in my bed but he just wants to get down on the floor and walk around (he’s just on the cusp of walking independently so I imagine he wants to practice!!)

Can your husband help a bit more with this? Perhaps not practical given you'll both be tired tomorrow but sounds like you need a bit more support from him

Sleep regression is very common when they are learning to walk.

I'm no expert but can you make his bedroom just a place for sleep? Put toys in another room or downstairs? Not just now, permanently so he does not associate with play.

Husband has just put him down to sleep now. I don’t understand how he’ll go to sleep for him but not me. To be fair he will help if I wake him but I feel I want to be able to do it myself.

He’s in a cot in my room so no toys, but the boy will play with anything he can!! I seem to remember him going through something similar when learning to crawl, sleep regression maybe, I know it’s a phase but need to remind myself of that when he’s screaming me awake in the middle of the night. I’m going to try and sleep now, will check back here tomorrow, thanks all

My similar age DS has just learnt to walk and he had terrible sleep for weeks. I sometimes get so stressed about it that I can't get him back to sleep at all but my husband can! Hope it improves for you soon.